How can I test the air quality of my apartment?

I believe there is a problem with the air quality in my apartment. I dust sticky film off of my furniture and plants weekly and have been having sinus issues consistently since I moved in several months ago. I've contacted state and city EPA to get information and possible testing, but have not gotten a reply after 2 months. Looking online, I can only buy expensive devices that each test for one specific chemical/substance, but I would have to know what I'm looking for.

Any advice?

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3 Answers from these members:

Attached is a guide to indoor air quality and various ways of testing. Hopefully, this helps with determining how you want to proceed. Also, here is a link to one possibility for doing the testing yourself: aiha.org/news-pubs/newsroom/Documents/Is Air Quality a Problem in My Home.pdf

No single air testing method is available to figure out the total quality of your home air. Air testing is often not worthwhile unless you know exactly what to test for. Discomfort or unusual odors are the best judge of indoor air quality in homes. Other air monitoring devices are available for formaldehyde and specific organic compounds. Use of some

sampling devices requires scientific training and analysis by a qualified laboratory. Your local or state department of health can refer you to local sources for sampling device purchase and analysis.

After you have exhausted all other avenues without success, contact a reputable contractor or a

professional industrial hygiene consultant. Make sure to check references and indoor air quality experience.